Indonesia small group tour

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

On our Epic Indonesia trip, we reduce the need for some internal flights by travelling overland via minivan and ferry where practical. Throughout the trip, we also use transport such as cycling, walking and local boats, giving travellers the opportunity to experience a variety of local transport options. At the start of the trip, travellers receive information about our Small Change initiative, including practical ways to reduce their environmental footprint while travelling. Through our partnership with Skyscanner, travellers can also view information about the estimated emissions associated with their flights. Vegetarian and vegan meal options are available throughout the trip for travellers who choose them.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

As part of our Small Change initiative, we support a range of environmental and community focused projects. In 2019, we partnered with Eden Reforestation Projects to plant 10 trees for every booking received. Since late 2023, we have also worked with Path Net Zero to measure the emissions associated with our tours and with Veritree to support verified tree planting projects.

Before, during and after Epic Indonesia, we provide guidance on responsible travel practices, including reducing single use plastics, respecting local communities and wildlife, and helping keep beaches and natural areas clean. Travellers are encouraged to collect litter where it is safe and appropriate to do so, and our groups often take part in informal beach clean ups during the trip.

To help reduce the use of single use plastic bottles, refill stations are available on the boats used throughout the trip, and travellers are encouraged to bring or purchase a reusable water bottle. Reusable INTRO branded bottles and tote bags are also available as an alternative to disposable plastic bottles and bags.

We conduct regular environmental reviews of our trips and suppliers to help identify opportunities to improve environmental practices and reduce impacts where possible.

Established in 2017, Small Change is INTRO Travel's responsible travel initiative, focused on supporting local communities, environmental practices, cultural exchange and education, and animal welfare.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY From the moment we started visiting Lovina, a beautiful and rural area in Northern Bali, we knew we wanted to support the local community in some way. Then, as if by magic, we met Gede, who lives with his family on a small farm and coffee plantation. Fast forward to today, where all our groups visiting Lovina have the chance to visit Gede, learn about the traditional art of basket weaving, and ask questions about local life. On August 5th 2018, a massive earthquake devastated North Lombok and much of the Gili Islands in Bali. Together with other tour operators, we collectively raised over $50,000 to help support the local community. Additionally, we personally delivered shipments of supplies to the areas that were hardest hit, including Hifan, our Gili boat operator, whose family was hugely impacted by the disaster. Throughout the trip, we prioritise dining at locally owned restaurants and visiting local markets rather than international chains wherever possible. This helps ensure that tourism spending directly supports local families, businesses and communities. Every one of our trips includes a variety of #smallchanges that travellers experience first hand. Our guides, transport providers and local teams are provided with extensive training, support and benefits that go beyond fair pay alone. They have opportunities to develop their guiding skills through our internal training programmes, while also having the chance to work across other destinations and expand their knowledge and experience. As opposed to being a cultural observer, our trips are designed to help travellers understand and respect local cultures, traditions and ways of life. Through sharing knowledge and understanding, we aim to ensure that travel is mutually beneficial for both our travellers and the communities they visit.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY Everyone employed on this trip is paid above minimum wage standards within their respective region or role. We also have a workplace diversity strategy in place that supports equal employment opportunities regardless of race, gender, nationality or sexual orientation, while ensuring our trips are welcoming and LGBTQ+ friendly. Where possible, we aim to make this trip accessible for travellers with limited mobility, vision, hearing or cognitive impairments, depending on the nature and extent of individual requirements.